ClinTec International Ltd, a global clinical research organization, is all set to expand its operations and to make substantial investments in India. The company's expansion plans are based on the capability of Indian pharma companies in the new chemical entity (NCE) space. Globally, the company had already made a $40 million investment in its drug development project.
Although the details about the company's expansion and investments in India are yet to be rolled out, Dr Rabinder Buttar, president and founder of ClinTec International, dropped enough hints that the Indian operation will be given substantial boost in the coming months in terms of additional personnel and a new corporate office in Bangalore which is slated to be commissioned in the next three months.
As India is gaining recognition as a hot destination for international clinical research and drug development programmes, India will be the hub for the company's operations in Asia. The company would set up satellite offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad this year. "We believe that Indian pharma companies will increasingly look to execute their clinical development programmes in Europe and the US as they realize their long-term commitment of being innovative global players with new drugs to offer, to combine with their traditional generic drug capabilities," said Dr Buttar.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Windsor, UK headquartered CRO, in March this year, several plans for its facilities across the globe are being worked out. In terms of infrastructure development, India and the UK are being given a fillip. Offices are also scheduled to come up in China, Singapore and South Africa later this year, she added.
For the Bangalore office which is the base of the ClinTec International operations, an additional 50 people will be hired across all grades including project managers and clinical research associates which will bring the total number of Indian employees to 66. The objective of this expansion is to integrate the Indian operations with the global business in Europe, US, Middle East, North and South Africa and Latin America. There are extensive training and development programmes on the cards.
The company is looking at expanding its data management business with a likely acquisition. Talks are already on with several prospective companies. The Indian operation also bagged the best performance award going by its efforts in all areas of clinical research and its support to the global offices.
The areas of expertise for ClinTec are oncology, neurology and dermatology. It has conducted over a 150 clinical trials which also includes therapeutic areas like anti-infectives, cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine and rheumatology. The company is already working with several pharma-biotech companies in the country. Several trails are going on for vaccines in India.
In September 2006, ClinTec International and Dr Reddy's Laboratories inked a pact to co-develop an anti-cancer compound DRF 1042 for colorectal cancer which has global market value of $1 billion. The research project is spread over four years.
"India as an emerging powerhouse in international business coupled with the numerous benefits to clinical research becomes a core country in our global strategy," said Bobby Bal, director, corporate development, ClinTec International.